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Getting a Clear Read on Your Mammogram

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Getting a Clear Read on Your Mammogram

Date: Fri Feb 21, 2003 11:48 am

Subject: Getting a Clear Read on Your Mammogram



(HealthScoutNews) -- Radiologist training and the characteristics of a breast cancer (news - web sites) screening center may have more impact on accurate interpretations of mammograms than the volume of mammograms read each year.

That's the finding of an American study in the Feb. 19 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (news - web sites).

Some previous studies have indicated that a higher mammogram reading volume was associated with increased accuracy in the interpretation of mammograms. Other studies have concluded the quality of feedback given to radiologists may account for different accuracy levels in reading mammograms.

In this new study, researchers asked 110 U.S.-based radiologists to interpret screenings for 148 randomly selected women. The researchers gathered data about the radiologists taking part in the study and about the facilities where they worked.

The study found there was no statistically significant association between accurate reading of the mammograms and the number of mammograms the radiologists read in the year before the study or how much experience the radiologists had in reading mammograms.

However, the researchers did find that radiologists with more recent training had a statistically significant better accuracy rate than radiologists trained earlier.

The study also found an association between increased accuracy of mammogram readings and centers that performed more diagnostic breast- imaging examinations and image-guided breast interventional procedures; facilities that were classified as a comprehensive breast diagnostic and/or screening center; and facilities that practiced double reading.

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